It’s been three long years since Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in her own home by police officers. And now, as if reopening old wounds, one of the officers involved in that tragic incident has just been rehired by the sheriff’s office. Myles Cosgrove is back on duty and stirring up controversy once again. In this blog post, we explore what happened, why it matters, and what it says about our justice system today.
It all started on March 13th, 2020 when Louisville Metro police officers forced their way into Breonna Taylor’s home without warning. They were executing a “no-knock” warrant issued in connection to a drug investigation – even though the man they were looking for had already been arrested. During the raid, three officers fired multiple rounds at Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker. Taylor was fatally shot multiple times and Walker was injured.
Myles Cosgrove was one of the officers who fired his weapon that night. After an internal investigation, he was placed on administrative reassignment in June 2020 pending termination – however, he ultimately kept his job. Now, three years after the deadly shooting of Breonna Taylor, Myles Cosgrove has been rehired by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a civilian employee.
The hiring of Cosgrove has been met with criticism from Taylor’s family and activists, who say that he should not be employed by the sheriff’s office given the circumstances of her death. However, Sheriff John Aubrey defended the decision, saying that Cosgrove is a “qualified applicant” and that he had no role in planning or executing the raid.
Since the announcement of Myles Cosgrove’s hiring by the sheriff’s office, the community has been divided on whether or not it is an appropriate move. Some believe that Cosgrove should be held accountable for his role in Breonna Taylor’s death and believe that this hire is a step in the right direction. Others feel that Cosgrove should not be given a position of authority given the circumstances of Taylor’s death. There is also concern that this hire could set a precedent for other officers who have been involved in fatal shootings.
This lack of accountability contributes to a culture of violence and impunity within law enforcement. It also erodes trust between police and the communities they are sworn to protect. When officers are not held accountable for their actions, it sends a message that their lives are more valuable than those of the people they are supposed to serve and protect. This is unacceptable.
There needs to be significant reform in how law enforcement is held accountable for its actions. We need to create a system where officers who use excessive force are immediately removed from their positions and face criminal charges. Only then will we start to see real change in how police treat the communities they are supposed to serve.
There are many ways to hold police accountable for their actions. One way is to have an independent review board that investigates complaints against officers. Another way is to require officers to wear body cameras and have the footage released to the public. Additionally, police departments can be more transparent with their data and release information on officer-involved shootings. Communities can come together and demand accountability from their local police department.
